Problems with my alero..need help!

[Murphyshk]

My alero when i turned it on started shaking violently...and when i drove it around the block it shaked more and more violently. My service engine soon light started blinking at me and trac off light came on. However, when I was coasting my car didn't shake it was only when I acclerated. I did not go more than 15 miles an hour. Then when I parked it again, it smelled like burning sulfur. Any ideas? I know I'll have to take it to a mechanic, just want to know what I am getting myself into before hand. Thanx!

[Biker920]

Originally Posted by Murphyshk

My alero when i turned it on started shaking violently...and when i drove it around the block it shaked more and more violently. My service engine soon light started blinking at me and trac off light came on. However, when I was coasting my car didn't shake it was only when I acclerated. I did not go more than 15 miles an hour. Then when I parked it again, it smelled like burning sulfur. Any ideas? I know I'll have to take it to a mechanic, just want to know what I am getting myself into before hand. Thanx!

Be prepared for full tune up at the least .possible failing fuel pump causing it to run super lean(starve for fuel) this will cause service engin light & engin shake due to severe spark plug missfire sulfur smell is catylitc converter reacting to lean fuel conditions good luck

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by Murphyshk

My alero when i turned it on started shaking violently...and when i drove it around the block it shaked more and more violently. My service engine soon light started blinking at me and trac off light came on. !

Welcome to AF.

It would help to post engine size, year and mileage.

The blinking SES light means there is a misfire condition which if not timely resolved may damage the CAT converter.

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF Murphyshk !!

Sounds like you experianced a misfire. Very typical of these to do this. Either a plug/wire shorted or one or more of your injectors didnt fire right causing the engine to run on just a few cylinders
.
You can take it to most part stores and they'll scan it for you and clear the code. After a few engine cycles it will return to normal on its own.

Also the sulfer smell is from RICH fuel not a lean.
Injector(s) probley stuck/froze open.

Try some injection cleaner and or something that removes moisture from your fuel.

Hope that helps!

edit - sorry about that Bob.

[Murphyshk]

Thank you all for ur input...my father wants me to bring it back home to go to a family friend mechanic...its an hour and half away...would it be wise for me to drive down that far? would it make it all worse? It's a 2000 and has 136,000 miles on it. I don't know my engine size.

[xeroinfinity]

It should be fine to drive, as long as it'll start.

Good Luck